Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Philadelphia / New Jersey Suburbs
  4. Philadelphia
  5. Center City
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA
El Vez, Philadelphia, PA

El Vez

4.7
4.7
6690 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican / Southwestern
Top Tags:
A contemporary Mexican restaurant, El Vez offers many unique items such as mahi mahi tacos, ahi tuna tostadas, carne asada and pasilla braised pork pozole. Enjoy their made-to-order guacamole & margaritas with fresh-squeezed juices. Top off your meal with "The El Vez," a flourless chocolate cake, peanut butter mousse and carmelized bananas.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 154 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican / Southwestern
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (215) 928-9800
  • Website
    http://elvezrestaurant.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Dave Conn
  • Catering
    With delectable cuisine and stellar service, Stephen STARR Events brings the experiences of the wildly successful STARR Restaurants to the world of catering. “Re-inventing” the traditional event, Stephen STARR Events prepares unique chef-driven creations as well as signature selections from the restaurants with menus tailored to each client. For more information on full-service catering for small and large private, social and corporate functions, as well as, quick-service options, please contact Stephen STARR Events at (215) 923-2675.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the restaurant for more information.
  • Location
    121 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Cross street
    Sansom
  • Parking details
    Garage parking available on Sansom Street between 11th & 12th Streets. No Valet is available.
  • Public transit
    Broad Street Line - Walnut Locust Station.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card

What 6,690 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Philadelphia

    Most Booked

6,690 Reviews

  1. Gina

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    DELICIOUS food. Can get loud in there, but that’s out of your control. Ambiance is great, service was good. Definitely recommend

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food2service3ambience4
    The ambience is great. Wait time was less than 5 minutes with a reservation at 9pm on a Saturday. Guacamole and empanadas were great! Main course was not nearly as good and honestly smelled like sewage which made it impossible to enjoy. Drinks were ok. Service was fairly good but a little slow. Server was very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Foodfood

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Portions keep getting smaller and smaller. Which is better than quality of food going down honestly. Great service across the board. Fun vibe. Big fan

    Is this helpful?

  4. MattH

    Philadelphia

    12 reviews

    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Great food. El Vez has been a favorite for a long time

    Is this helpful?

  5. Rita

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We found this restaurant last year and it has become a favorite!

    Is this helpful?

  6. GailS

    Chicago

    26 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    26 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food4service5ambience3
    My dinner was very tasty. The noise level was off the charts. It’s very hard to have a conversation.

    Is this helpful?

  7. AllisonR

    Philadelphia

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a favorite restaurant when we are in Philadelphia. The food and ambience are excellent. Great place to stop for drinks at the bar yummy margaritas or sitting down. You have to try one of their guacamoles.If you are looking to celebrate a birthday or date night definitely recommend going here.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing service, food and drinks! Cute set up, with nice big round bar in the center of the Restaurant. It is loud in there so if you’re looking for quieter or more intimate I would go elsewhere. Amazing to dine with groups of 4+ too as they have nice sized booths. If looking to watch during any Philadelphia sports games- they do not have TV’s here for the heads up!

    Is this helpful?

  9. EllieK

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing as always! Love the nachos, margaritas, and tacos for 2!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Kier

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and drinks and nice atmosphere for date night or night with friends

    Is this helpful?

  11. LOU27

    Philadelphia

    153 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    153 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service are ALWAYS excellent ! You can’t go wrong !!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Knjvbbn

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great food and atmosphere and ambiance. Will go again.

    Is this helpful?

  13. KimC

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service were very good. The guacamole is fresh, with great options. Delicious! It's very noisy, difficult to carry on a conversation, but other than that a fun place for dinner

    Is this helpful?

  14. mexicanlover

    Philadelphia

    14 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    It was 7 of us and we felt rushed by the service. The food is not the same.

    Is this helpful?

  15. Feli

    Philadelphia

    20 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    Did not enjoy this visit. My margaritas were good though. The salad lacked flavor im used to from here but the corn rice was delish!

    Is this helpful?

  16. Jason

    London

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    Overall, very happy with our diner at El Vez. The food was delicious and portion size was good. It was a little colder than we would have liked with a breeze hitting us from either the AC or the door. Great service.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food and cocktails are excellent. Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  18. 08204girl

    Atlantic City

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    It was a welcome respite from the rainy city evening. I'm not a big fan of Mexican food, but everything I had here was absolutely delicious. We'll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  19. NancyB

    Philadelphia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous dinner at El Vez. Goat cheese guacamole was fantastic as were the tacos and margaritas!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall3food4service5ambience2
    It was very loud and we were by the door that kept opening and it was freezing out

    Is this helpful?

  21. Foodlover25

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to El Vez for brunch. They had very interesting offerings for brunch, as well as their full menu. The food was great.

    Is this helpful?

  22. JoelS

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We had a reservation for 9 p.m., we arrived 12 minutes early and was told by the host that we could go to the bar and that our table would not be ready until 9. We don't drink alcohol so we attempted to wait near the front door. Unfortunately, we, and a few others, always seemed to be in the way. There is no waiting area and we were constantly dodging and moving out of the way of wait staff, people coming in and people exiting. Ridiculous. Once seated, the service was excellent, the food was great and the atmosphere, though loud, it was also great. We love El Vez.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Mulah

    Philadelphia

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s my favorite restaurant. I love it here. Food, drinks, atmosphere, and energy is always top tier.

    Is this helpful?

  24. swmona

    Richmond

    95 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Very cool space. Delicious mezcal margarita. Tasty guacamole.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    Great time with great friends! Plus great food and great vibes!

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waitress was attentive and kind. Shared some amazing menu items before making our selection.

    Is this helpful?

  27. LindaJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Went to El Vez for a fun night out. Was not disappointed! The place is lively, the food and drinks are awesome and the ambiance is great. Recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  28. Pink

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    My husband and I planned an afternoon in Philadelphia that included Dilworth Park, the Wicked musical, and an early dinner at El Vez. Once inside, the ambiance was colorful and fun. We used the photo booth that was directly behind us a few times, however, the credit card swipe did not work properly. We ordered our food and I have to say I was not impressed. The mango guacamole and sweet corn empanadas were delicious, but our short rib empanadas were less than desirable. I got the Golden Margarita that was good but IMO, overpriced. Overall, El Vez was just ok, nothing to brag about. I've been to other Starr restaurants and had a great experience but will not return to this one.

    Is this helpful?

  29. BethD

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Fantastic food. Great drinks. Good service. Noise level too loud for getting together with friends. Would recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  30. mary

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, fun vibe. Just super loud. At a table for 5 and felt like we were all yelling.

    Is this helpful?

  31. Patti

    Atlantic City

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Good pre theater spot. Margaritas, guacamole, and portobello mushroom tacos delish. Service friendly and efficient.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience3
    Anniversary Dinner…made a reservation a few weeks ago for my wife and I, noted that it was an Anniversary dinner. Arrived at 7:35 due to traffic for a 7:30 dinner reservation, the host seemed a little irritated, got sat in the smallest table possible next to 2 large parties at the booths, it was a tight situation. Our server took a little while to greet us, but in all fairness it was a super busy Wednesday night in there…Drinks were great! Steak Nachos and their special guacamole were good appetizers. Did ask for no beans on Nachos but the waitress apologized and said her fault she forgot, no biggie they remade them without the beans. Order a few more drinks, glad we order them right away after the second batch of nachos because the second round took we too long to hit the table. As our entrees we order the Cesar salad with adoba chicken and no anchovies(spot on) and we ordered the steak tacos(perfect) the only complaint was that it came out within 8 minutes or so after receiving our apps there was literally no space on the table, waitress apologized again and removed our share plates but that didn’t help. She misunderstood and didn’t course it out like we asked 2 apps 2 entrees we basically got it all at once…We felt rushed after, with a constant Are you still eating? Want me to rap it up? We finally moved on to deserts and cappuccinos both were great Wife loved the flan. No type of acknowledgment of Anniversary or anything must of got lost in translation. The young female server was overwhelmed, she was nice but she really made our night feel rushed. G

    Is this helpful?

  33. bunnygirl

    New York Area

    62 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    62 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was there a 20th anniversary Bash and they were giving out free margaritas and swag and had a mariachi band and every time I’ve been there is a place is awesome even without it being their anniversary !!  great service great food great atmosphere a great margaritas!

    Is this helpful?

  34. KristaS

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    My husband and I had an amazing Anniversary lunch here! So glad we came back :)

    Is this helpful?

  35. KatherineS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious dinner. The guacamole and salsa are fresh and authentic. Great value too.

    Is this helpful?

  36. RICHARDC

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    We were seated by the twin outside doors. The dining rink was empty and this was the worst 4 top in the place. Over half the tables were still empty when we left. I notice they seated us with a server who had no tables. Not my problem. The cold draft when the door opened made dinner and us cold. It was daughters 18th and you didn’t impress me. Won’t bring business or family back.

    Is this helpful?

  37. AshurM

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    best modern but authentic Mexican dishes, great service and bar

    Is this helpful?

  38. BigAl

    Philadelphia

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    GREAT service, and scrumptious food for every palate. The cocktails are delicate and flavorful, and the tables/seating options are very cool and comfy. If inclined, you gotta try the coconut ceviche app and the main mahi-mahi soft tacos entrée! Divine!

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    San Antonio

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We are from South Texas, on the Mexican border, and we think this was great food! The sweet corn and poblano empanadas caught my eye and they were deliciously interesting.

    Is this helpful?

  40. MichaelS

    Naples

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, great ambiance and great service! Olive did a fantastic job

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

El Vez offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (215) 928-9800.

El Vez is rated 4.7 stars by 6690 OpenTable diners.

El Vez does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
8:30 PM
Booked 154 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Vez

121 South 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Sansom
  • Neighborhood
    Center City
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–4:00 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–11:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Mexican / Southwestern
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Garage parking available on Sansom Street between 11th & 12th Streets. No Valet is available.
  • Public transit
    Broad Street Line - Walnut Locust Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Dave Conn
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://elvezrestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (215) 928-9800
  • Catering
    With delectable cuisine and stellar service, Stephen STARR Events brings the experiences of the wildly successful STARR Restaurants to the world of catering. “Re-inventing” the traditional event, Stephen STARR Events prepares unique chef-driven creations as well as signature selections from the restaurants with menus tailored to each client. For more information on full-service catering for small and large private, social and corporate functions, as well as, quick-service options, please contact Stephen STARR Events at (215) 923-2675.
  • Private party facilities
    Please contact the restaurant for more information.

Featured in

Gift card

Gift card

Send gift cards instantly by email or print to present in person.

Send a gift card
Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Restaurant reservation software
  • Industry insights
  • Hospitality resources
  • Marketing resources
  • Operation resources
  • How to open a restaurant
  • For restaurants
  • For restaurant groups
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo